Elder Steven B. Dunlap was the third child of nine born to the union of the late Bishop Clifford C. Dunlap and Mother Annis L. Dunlap. Steven accepted Christ at an early age with the infilling of the Holy Spirit under the late Bishop O. A. Evans at Indiana Avenue Church of God in Christ. Coming from a family where the roots of holiness run deep, Steven is the 4th generation in the Church of God in Christ. He was anointed to play both the organ and piano at the age of 12. Steven would practice many hours until he would perfect whatever song he was learning. He received his educational training in both Detroit and Ferndale public schools. In the early 1970’s he organized the first Ferndale High School Gospel Choir. Many people received Christ through this ministry.

Steven began playing for Indiana Avenue Church of God in Christ while in high school, and was later elevated to church organist and Director of Indiana Young Adult Choir. The Lord continued to bless him and he grew in stature to become a wonderful young man. He served faithfully traveling with Bishop Evans throughout the state of Michigan playing at various churches. Because of his faithful service, he was then elevated as the State Musician for the Great Lakes Jurisdiction under the late Bishop C. L. Anderson, Jr. Steven served Great Lakes as organist, video and audio technician, sound man and organizer of the one and only orchestra, the Orchestral Sounds. Steven was later elevated to the office of deacon at Indiana.

In 1991, the Lord led him to accompany his father who had become the pastor of Greater Love Tabernacle Church of God in Christ. With the blessing and encouragement of Bishop Evans, he journeyed on. At Greater Love Tabernacle, Steven was the organist for five choirs; later becoming the Chief Musician. He also served as a deacon. In 1998, Steven was called to preach and did his trial sermon. Minister Steven Dunlap studied and completed his training under the Great Lakes Fist Ministerial Education Department. In 2006, Bishop Dunlap recommended Minister Dunlap for ordination to become an elder. He was ordained in August 2006 by the late Bishop Walter E. Bogan. Elder Steven Dunlap remembers the many encouraging words of wisdom by Bishop Bogan, especially when he would tell him, “Stick with your Dad.” Elder Dunlap served as Jurisdictional Choir President and Crystal Scholarship Committee member.

Pastor Steve, as he was affectionately called, was appointed pastor of Greater Love Tabernacle Church of God in Christ on January 1, 2012 by Bishop Michael E. Hill, Sr. In addition to distinguished service at Indiana Church of God in Christ, Greater Love Tabernacle, Great Lakes and Great Lakes First, Elder Dunlap was known as Mr. Dunlap at the Detroit Athletic Club. He was employed at the club for 18 years as a Department Leader. In 2011, Pastor Steve was honored as an “Everyday Hero” for his management skills by Channel 4 WDIV-Detroit and local clergyman, Rev. V. Lonnie Peek, Jr., after being recommended by the club’s Executive Manager, Mr. Ted G. Gillary. The article featured in The Detroit News referred to Pastor Steve as an “Everyday Hero” for taking his religious training and transforming a style of leadership that makes the support systems of the Detroit Athletic Club seamless and highly operational every day.

Pastor Steven B. Dunlap made his transition from labor to reward on April 15, 2020.