It’s that time of year, when we all look back at where we’ve been and dream and scheme where we might be going.

First, I know there is nothing magical about goals and plans and anything you resolve to do, just because you cross the line of January 1. And at the same time there is something magical about a collective consciousness that all leans in to new (or renewed) dreams and visions together. Yes, most of us will give up on our big plans within a few weeks or maybe a couple months if you’re lucky. But I am always aa fan of the “aim for the stars, land on the moon” approach to life. You hit 100% of the shots you don’t take. (I’m embracing all the cliches today.)

As I look ahead, I have a handful of dreams and schemes.

• Run at least two more marathons and will finally do some strength training along with my running.

• The final twelve months of daily videos for Bible in a Minute.

• Produce a series of online only worship services during the season of Lent.

• Learn to snowboard and maybe even keep up with my wife on her skis.

• Create weekly “Sermon on the Run” videos over on my YouTube channel.

• Cultivate online community spaces (more on this coming soon).

• Go all in on Substack!

And yes, that last one is what this particular substack is all about.

What do I mean by “all in” on Substack? (I’m glad you asked.)

I’ve been dabbling in Substack since 2022. Not quite as long as some people but enough to be familiar with the waters we’re splashing around in.

And along the way I’ve learned from so many amazing writers and creators. Rev. Cameron Trimble has developed incredible daily content that you should all be reading. Ashley Dargai and Rev. Timoth write some of my favorite essays about church and religion and what it means to be human. Nathan Webb and Fr. Cathie Caimano have the best resources on digital ministry you’ll find anywhere on the internet. Joseph Yoo went all in on Substack and the whole internet is grateful for it.

All this lurking and dabbling has led me to the place where I now write four Substacks. (What? You thought it was just this one?!)

The One Just For Me

There’s Running Thoughts, the one you’re reading right now. And in 2026 this one will keep on running. I am planning on at least one post a week, likely correlating with the “Sermon on the Run” video I create. But chances are there will be at least two or three. This is my space to try out ideas that are running through my head and share my latest ideas or questions or whatever. Sometimes it might feel like a mini-sermon. Other times like a manifesto. Really, this is my “remember when it was 2007 and we all wrote blogs” space — I’m trying to tap into that energy. (Because let’s be honest, the internet was a lot more fun back when we all wrote blogs. Google Reader forever!)

The One To Help Your Digital Ministry

Then there’s my OG Substack, where I equip and empower pastors and faith leaders for digital ministry. This is the one I’ve been playing with since 2022. Looking ahead to 2026 my goal is to publish twice a week: one post with something practical that you can try in your church or ministry and another post with something more theological or philosophical about ministry in digital spaces. And I’ll probably be tinkering with Substack Live a bit in this space.

Rev. Jim Keat | Digital Ministry

Model and equip progressive faith leaders and faith communities for digital ministry in the present and in the future.

The One For Riverside’s Digital Ministry

The other Substack I’m really excited about is Click & Connect. This one is all about the ways you can connect with the online community at The Riverside Church. It’s not just a bulletin board but weekly reflections from me about digital ministry at Riverside, a way to get to know others from Riverside’s online community, and a curation of online specific groups and events that you can participate in from anywhere you have wifi or a phone signal.

The Riverside Church // Online Community & Content

Your weekly guide to connecting with Riverside online — worship, events, and ways to engage wherever you are.

The One For My Biggest Digital Ministry Project Ever

And then there’s Bible in a Minute. This project will be concluding at the end of 2026 but really that means the project can finally begin. It’s one thing to produce a daily video about a chapter from the Bible. But it’s another thing to have the entire Bible available, one video/chapter/minute at a time. This space will continue to publish each video but looking beyond 2026 when we reach the final chapter, it will evolve to offer curated ways to experience the Bible for the weekly lectionary and different seasons of the church. Exciting long term plans for this one!

Bible in a Minute

Every chapter of the Bible, one minute at a time.

By Jim Keat

All this to say…

I’m going all in on Substack in 2026. I’m pretty sure I said the same thing last year, but looking back I did lean in more and more to this space. I’m just going to keep that momentum going in the year ahead!

What about you? What are you dreaming and scheming for the upcoming year? Leave a comment or send me an email and let me know!