Teaching + Coaching Team
Pastor Joshua Duffy
I am a follower of Jesus, husband and father. Growing up I was very passionate about basketball and drumming. I spent 5 years in youth ministry, met Mallory, got married before she could change her mind, went to the Seminary, had a kid (We’ve since added two more kids to our crew), and then became the Senior Pastor of Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Houston, Tx where I have the privilege and honor to serve and lead to this day. The reality is, ministry is hard, people are broken, and we all need Jesus. I am the founder and visionary of Westcliffe, whose name is inspired by Westcliffe, Colorado, the place where Dr. Looney graciously opened up his home to me there. I was tired, burned out and burned up and it was there that God graciously challenged me, convicted me, encouraged me and called me back to the elements and values of a vision He had given me a decade earlier. God met me in Westcliffe, Colorado. My hope and prayer is that God will meet you here at Westcliffe too.
Dr. Paul Looney
With a name that fits his profession, Dr. Looney is a psychiatrist. He loves being alive at a time when tremendous advancements in brain science and burgeoning research in positive psychology, relationships, and spirituality validate age-old teachings of scripture. He and his wife love being with their children and grandchildren and take joy ministering in prison and with ex-offenders. For more information on Dr. Paul Looney,
Worship Team
Tavarious Linzer
Years before establishing a strong presence in the worship communities of many local churches, I grew up in South Houston, Texas where my love for music and entertainment was discovered. I am a Christ follower, husband, recording artist, business founder/CEO, musician, and producer. I have been involved in music ever since I can remember and began my ministry journey in January 2010. I have always felt drawn to those who perhaps don’t know Christ as their personal Savior. The vision and mission of Westcliffe affords an opportunity to reach those who are seeking something real; without all of the rules, rituals, dos, and don’ts. My hope for Westcliffe is that it does exactly what God has ordained it to do. Also, that people would embrace uniqueness of this ministry and be part of what Christ is doing in it. For more info on Tavarious Linzer click here
Michael Middleton
I Grew up in Baton Rouge Louisiana as the fourth generation son of a preacher . While my dad and those before him were born with a knack for words, it must have skipped my generation. Public speaking is not my forte. Thankfully, however, God blessed me with a love for music and a deep desire to share God’s love through it. In 2011, on my birthday, I recieved a most unexpected and wonderful gift. God brought a smart and beautiful girl to a church service I was leading and the very next year I married her. We now have two incredible little boys who run us ragged but in the best way. We are excited to be a part of the Westcliffe family who aims to reach people where they are and share the love and goodness that God wants so much for their lives. I am so grateful to God that I have found my purpose in serving Him and hope that I can help others in their faith journey, sharing the Truth of God’s Word through music and fellowship.
Mekeyas Newaye
Mekeyas Newaye is a preacher, evangelist, and singing recorded artist that currently serves as a pastor and traveling evangelist out of Calvary Church in Irving, TX with lead pastor’s Ben + Kim Dailey.
Mekeyas has been leading worship and ministering for over 15 years domestically in the United States and in Ethiopia from where his family is originally from.
Mekeyas’ deepest passion is to declare the Good News of Jesus and to encourage the world that they are loved by God and accepted in Christ.
Media Team
Malachi Talbott
I was born and raised in Tomball, Texas. With that said, there may have been a lack in creative activities. Growing up I was lucky to pick up a camera and start shooting. The joy it gave me to use a creative outlet to build stories fascinated me. Soon after I was picked up by Westcliffe through Joshua Duffy who also happened to be my cousin-in-law. For the next few years we created the content you know and see today. I couldn’t be more appreciative for the opportunity Westcliffe gave me to use my creative abilities. Since then I’ve been shooting everything from music videos, commercials and promo videos. It’s a pleasure to work with each and every individual who desires creative work done in their personal or professional life. Feel free to contact me via email.
Craig Mattes
Craig lives in Plainfield, Illinois. His wife’s name is Amy and two sons are Will and Reagan. Craig is a rostered DCO, Director of Christian Outreach with the Lutheran Church Missiouri Synod having served churches in the Northern Illinois District from 2003 to 2021 and before that he received a Bachelor’s in Marketing from Valparaiso University.
Craig now leads his own business Craig Mattes Services where he and his team help churches & ministries across the country with their digital/communication needs. At the core of his business is the desire to reach more and more people with the Good News of Jesus. Craig’s role with Westcliffe is with social media marketing, the website and writing small group studies for each of Pastor Josh’s teaching videos. Contact Craig if you are in need of social media services and/or small group ministry help, consultation, training, etc. Craig has also written the following devotionals/small group studies found on Amazon: Follow ME, Meet Jesus, and Jesus, Love & Justice.