This Is True: WK 2 - GROUP GUIDE
Algorithms of Belief: How Attention Economics Shapes Truth
INTRODUCTION: The following is a guide to help facilitate discussion between you and the person you’re studying with or with your Connect Group. Feel free to add, subtract, or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.
OPEN: Share an example of a time when the internet surprised you by “knowing” something about you. Was it a recommendation, an ad, a video, an article? How did it make you feel — intrigued, amused, unsettled, seen, creeped out?
Follow-up: In one sentence, describe how the internet is shaping truth in our world today.
SCRIPTURE READING
Invite participants to listen for themes of attention, formation, and discernment.
CONTEXT & SETUP (Read Aloud)
We live in a world where our attention is more valuable than our data.
The internet constantly studies us — our loves, fears, and habits — and shapes what we see, what we trust, and what feels plausible. Algorithms have become one of the most powerful discipleship systems in human history.
But Christians believe our minds are formed not by accident but by intention. Not by algorithms but by Christ. Not by emotional reaction but by the renewing work of the Spirit.
This week’s teaching invited us to understand:
Truth in the digital age requires humility, intentionality, and a community that helps us see what we cannot see alone.
HEAD: Explore the Text
Read Romans 12:2 again. What stands out to you in the phrase “renewing of your mind”? How does this speak to digital discipleship?
Jesus says “Consider carefully how you listen” (Luke 8:18). Why does how we hear matter as much as what we hear?
In Scripture, the mind (nous) includes desire, imagination, perception, and attention. How does this differ from our culture’s view of “mind” as mostly rational thinking?
Algorithms are optimized for engagement, not truth. What impact does this have on how Christians discern what is real or trustworthy?
Have you ever realized that your online environment shaped your beliefs without you noticing? What helped you become aware of it?
How do echo chambers and confirmation bias show up in your own life? Where are you most vulnerable to hearing only one kind of perspective?
HEART: Personal Reflection
In what ways has your online consumption impacted your emotional or spiritual life? (Examples: stress, fear, anger, division, comparison)
What content tends to disciple you the most — not what you want to disciple you, but what actually does?
Where do you sense the Holy Spirit nudging you toward healthier patterns of attention?
What would it look like to let Jesus shape your imagination before the internet does?
HANDS: Practice This Week
Forming a digital rule of life. Choose one of the following (or create your own):
Encourage group members to check in next week.
FINISH WELL: Bring It Home
What is one digital habit or pattern you feel Jesus inviting you to surrender, reframe, or heal?
Where do you feel the need for a “renewed mind”—in your thought life, emotional life, or digital life?
What step will you take this week to let Christ — not your feed — be the loudest voice in your life?
CLOSING PRAYER (Leader or Participant Reads)
Jesus, our Teacher and our Truth,
Renew our minds and reshape our attention.
Break every false formation, calm every fear,
and guide us into wisdom.
Teach us to hear Your voice above all others,
and form us into a people who love truth
because we love You.
Amen.
INTRODUCTION: The following is a guide to help facilitate discussion between you and the person you’re studying with or with your Connect Group. Feel free to add, subtract, or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.
OPEN: Share an example of a time when the internet surprised you by “knowing” something about you. Was it a recommendation, an ad, a video, an article? How did it make you feel — intrigued, amused, unsettled, seen, creeped out?
Follow-up: In one sentence, describe how the internet is shaping truth in our world today.
SCRIPTURE READING
- Romans 12:1–2 (“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”)
- Luke 8:18 (“Consider carefully how you listen.”)
- Proverbs 4:23 (“Above all else, guard your heart…”)
- John 8:31–32 (“Then you will know the truth…”)
Invite participants to listen for themes of attention, formation, and discernment.
CONTEXT & SETUP (Read Aloud)
We live in a world where our attention is more valuable than our data.
The internet constantly studies us — our loves, fears, and habits — and shapes what we see, what we trust, and what feels plausible. Algorithms have become one of the most powerful discipleship systems in human history.
But Christians believe our minds are formed not by accident but by intention. Not by algorithms but by Christ. Not by emotional reaction but by the renewing work of the Spirit.
This week’s teaching invited us to understand:
- How algorithms shape belief
- Why attention matters spiritually
- How Christian community and Scripture counter-form us
- How to practice wise digital discernment
Truth in the digital age requires humility, intentionality, and a community that helps us see what we cannot see alone.
HEAD: Explore the Text
Read Romans 12:2 again. What stands out to you in the phrase “renewing of your mind”? How does this speak to digital discipleship?
Jesus says “Consider carefully how you listen” (Luke 8:18). Why does how we hear matter as much as what we hear?
In Scripture, the mind (nous) includes desire, imagination, perception, and attention. How does this differ from our culture’s view of “mind” as mostly rational thinking?
Algorithms are optimized for engagement, not truth. What impact does this have on how Christians discern what is real or trustworthy?
Have you ever realized that your online environment shaped your beliefs without you noticing? What helped you become aware of it?
How do echo chambers and confirmation bias show up in your own life? Where are you most vulnerable to hearing only one kind of perspective?
HEART: Personal Reflection
In what ways has your online consumption impacted your emotional or spiritual life? (Examples: stress, fear, anger, division, comparison)
What content tends to disciple you the most — not what you want to disciple you, but what actually does?
Where do you sense the Holy Spirit nudging you toward healthier patterns of attention?
Have you ever felt ashamed, overwhelmed, or confused about what’s true online? How did Jesus meet you in that space — or how might He want to?**
What would it look like to let Jesus shape your imagination before the internet does?
HANDS: Practice This Week
Forming a digital rule of life. Choose one of the following (or create your own):
A) Scripture Before Screens: Each morning, read a psalm or gospel passage before unlocking your phone.
B) The 24-Hour Digital Sabbath: Choose one day with no news, no scrolling, no social feeds.
C) Digital Examen. At the end of each day, ask: What shaped my attention today?
- What formed my imagination?
- What stirred fear?
- What stirred love?
D) Community Discernment: Invite someone to speak honestly into one digital habit that may be shaping you.
Encourage group members to check in next week.
FINISH WELL: Bring It Home
What is one digital habit or pattern you feel Jesus inviting you to surrender, reframe, or heal?
Where do you feel the need for a “renewed mind”—in your thought life, emotional life, or digital life?
What step will you take this week to let Christ — not your feed — be the loudest voice in your life?
CLOSING PRAYER (Leader or Participant Reads)
Jesus, our Teacher and our Truth,
Renew our minds and reshape our attention.
Break every false formation, calm every fear,
and guide us into wisdom.
Teach us to hear Your voice above all others,
and form us into a people who love truth
because we love You.
Amen.
Pastor Timothy Gillespie
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