The “rich sense of community life rooted in tradition, resilience, and a shared faith” found in the parishes within Rural Daneside Churches was a key reason behind the Rev Jim Cartlidge’s decision to become its new vicar, he has told the latest parish magazine.
The former head of IT at Congleton Borough Council will become vicar of Rural Daneside Churches on 7th July. He is currently assistant curate in the benefice of Stone St Michael and St Wulfad with Aston St Saviour, in the Diocese of Lichfield.
The Rt Rev Mark Tanner, Bishop of Chester will induct Mr Cartlidge at a service in Swettenham St Peter’s on Monday, 7th July.
Speaking to Peter Kent of the Daneside benefice magazine as he prepared for his induction, Mr Cartlidge said: “The unique blend of rural charm and missional opportunity to be found here are qualities that resonate deeply with those who value both heritage and innovation.”
While in Stone, he completed a second degree in theology, ministry and mission, his first degree being in IT. He was chaplain to the Stone town mayor from 2023.
He told the magazine: “Having a curacy at a civic church gave me unique experience.
“How many people can say they have taken civic services on the death of a monarch, inaugurated mayors, and stood in front of thousands in a town centre Remembrance service?”
He said that at the heart of his approach was a “deep commitment” to relationships, community, and living faith in action.
Whether through preaching, pastoral care, leading worship, or walking alongside people through life’s highs and lows, he said he sought to serve with “integrity, compassion, and a good sense of humour”.
Software
He began his professional career as a software developer during the formative years of vehicle tracking technology before applying his expertise to the public sector, designing software for the education department of Staffordshire County Council.
He later joined Congleton Borough Council, looking after its computer systems. His final role for the council was supporting technological consolidation as part of the council’s reorganisation into Cheshire East, where he subsequently served as network manager for both Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester councils, before embarking on a new path in ministry training in 2016.
He said his path into ministry was shaped by a “slow deepening sense of faith rather” than any single defining “Road to Damascus” moment.
Following their marriage at their local church, St Margaret’s in Betley, he and his wife Andrea became active in church life, joining the parochial church council.
They volunteered to help with the Sunday school held in the local Methodist Chapel, later helping to run the Sunday evening youth group in the village reading room. It was at some point during this period that he found his faith. The arrival of their first child coincided with the introduction of an Alpha course at St Margaret’s.
Mrs Cartlidge, enrolled first, (taking their baby daughter Lucy with her) and persuaded her husband to take part in the next one.
Three years and nearly four children later (Mrs Cartlidge was expecting their fourth at the time) Mr Cartlidge was asked to become a churchwarden, a position he went on to hold for eight years.
In the years that followed, Mr Cartlidge took part in various fellowship groups and contributed to multiple Alpha courses, experiences that strengthened and broadened his faith and theological understanding.
Crossroads
Following the death of his father in 2015, Mr Cartlidge found himself at a crossroads: continue in a demanding job that kept him away from his young family while sidelining his growing sense of vocation, or quit his job and explore where that calling might lead.
After discussion with his wife and children, he resigned from his post in Chester and embarked on a journey that would lead him to find a new spiritual home at St Mark’s, Basford, and St Margaret’s, Wolstanton, and begin his initial ministerial education.
His curacy in Stone has been anything but conventional – his initial interview was over Zoom because of the pandemic.
“That interview was a fitting start to a curacy full of surprise challenges and personal growth. If there’s one thing I learned, it’s that in ministry you always have to expect the unexpected!” he joked.
In his first year, Mr Cartlidge’s training incumbent went on long-term sick leave, and by the middle of his second year, had formally retired. These unexpected changes required Mr Cartlidge to take on increased responsibilities earlier than anticipated, an experience that, while demanding, also strengthened his confidence and resilience in ministry.
Having lived for over 20 years in the semi-rural village of Wrinehill,
Customs
Mr Cartlidge is no stranger to village life, from rogation walks to boundary-beating and Palm Sunday processions accompanied by donkeys. “These are more than quaint customs; they are living expressions of a faith that is interwoven with everyday life” he said.
“What particularly stood out to me was the vibrancy and forward-thinking nature of the Rural Daneside Churches. During the vacancy, the churches have demonstrated remarkable self-sufficiency and commitment, continuing to serve their communities with energy and care.
“The open doors of many church buildings speak to a theology of welcome, and the use of electronic giving and a mobile app reflect a parish unafraid to embrace modern technology to enhance accessibility and connection.”
Mr and Mrs Cartlidge have four teenagers, Lucy, Amy, Emily and Luke. Lucy, their eldest has special needs and lives in a specialist residential provision in Burton-upon-Trent. Amy, Emily and Luke are looking forward to moving to Marton vicarage alongside their parents.
Outside of ministry, Mr Cartlidge is a “passionate advocate” for camping, walking, and discovering historic sites, he and the family frequently visit castles, churches, and historic buildings.
A life member of the National Trust, Cadw (the Welsh Government’s historic environment service) and English Heritage.
Community involvement is equally important to Mr Cartlidge and his family. They are actively engaged in the Scouting movement, particularly through their local Scout group.
Two of his children currently serve as young leaders in the group.
At home, he enjoys cooking for the family, reading historical non-fiction, and working on DIY projects. A self-confessed film enthusiast, his movie preferences span genres – from science fiction and action to character-driven dramas.
The previous edition of the magazine said that during the period without a vicar, the vicarage had been checked two or three times a week and work had been undertaken for its upkeep inside as well as outside, churches had been “ticking over”, and in some cases services had even recorded increases in attendance.
The newsletter said: “The Bishop of Stockport (the Rt Rev Sam Corley) had been “an enormous Support” to the benefice throughout the vacancy.
It reported: “Those of us who have been involved in the whole process have been unable to speak about it, as prospective candidates already have parishes which they would need to leave in order to join us and so no information can be leaked in order to prevent difficult situations from arising.
“We await Jim’s arrival with anticipation.”
