Job is probably one of the most difficult and haunting books in scripture, and this summer as we read it together, we wanted a guide—so we invited Mike Petrow back to join us. With doctoral degrees in psychology and mythological studies, Mike helps us understand Job as an ancient text, and as a story that continues to speak in our own lives.
Today Mike takes us straight into one of the most striking turns in this story: Job’s friends show up in his deep suffering, and one by one try to defend God with tidy theology, debate him out of his grief, and ultimately accuse him of bringing this suffering on himself. But then God show up and finally speaks, rebuking the friends and declaring that it is Job—the one who questioned, lamented, and wrestled—who has spoken truthfully. Mike unpacks what that reversal means for anyone who’s ever felt like their questions made them the problem.
And then there’s Job himself: a good man who loses everything. Mike walks us through what this ancient story has to teach us about our own doubt, grief, and the sacred work of asking questions—showing again how honest questioning can be the threshold to a richer spiritual imagination and deeper faith.
Dr. Mike Petrow is the host of The Healer With a Thousand Faces and one of the lead hosts on the Everything Belongs podcast with Father Richard Rohr. He’s the Manager of Formation for the Center for Action and Contemplation, a jungian spiritual director, and a certified grief and trauma counselor. And we are so thrilled to share that he’ll be joining us live at Restore:Connect this year!
We hope this conversation is nourishing and sparks lots of new insights for you as you study the book of Job this month.
JOIN MIKE PETROW AT RESTORE!
Mike will be talking more with Tim and Aubrey about Sacred Questions and the Holy Work of Anger this September at Restore, along with dozens of other exciting speakers and presenters! You won’t want to miss it—registration is open now!
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STUDY “COME FOLLOW ME” WITH FAITH MATTERS
How do we respond to suffering?
What does it mean to trust God in all circumstances? Why is there suffering? How should we respond to suffering, in the world and in our lives? What is the role of awe and the natural world?
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JOIN WAYMAKERS IN WASHINGTON, DC ON SEPTEMBER 19!
This event is FREE and open to the public (ages 16+), but registration is required. Space is limited especially in the afternoon workshops, so be sure to register now…then invite your friends to do the same!
“Peacemakers Needed” will be a half-day workshop featuring multiple keynote addresses and interactive workshops. You’ll learn practical, skills-based strategies from experienced teachers that can help you navigate interpersonal, interfaith, and political conflict with greater understanding and confidence.
JOIN MWEG FOR A SPECIAL COMMUNITY SCREENING
Join us for a free community screening of “9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero,” a powerful documentary that explores the story behind the rebuilding of Ground Zero and the people who came together in the wake of tragedy to shape a shared future.
This documentary invites us to reflect on resilience, healing, and the importance of community. Through stories of collaboration, remembrance, and hope, it highlights how people from diverse backgrounds worked together to honor those lost while creating a space of dignity and renewal.
Following the screening, attendees are invited to participate in discussion focused on peacemaking, understanding, and the power of respectful conversation. We’ll explore how listening to one another’s perspectives and building relationships can strengthen our communities and inspire collective action.
This event welcomes all community members. Registration is required.
