One bishop said this weekend that the plan was broadly welcomed by his colleagues although there was some concern that parish priests may be resentful of the new ministers impinging on their territory. "This is something the existing parish clergy ought to be able to do," said the bishop.

The plan calls for a pilot group of 20 pioneer ministers, but one senior source said hundreds may be deployed across the country within a few years.

The priests will receive specialised training before being ordained and will be qualified to conduct services inside or outside churches. Some may be parish clergy who work part-time on the street.

Anglican leaders believe that as pews have emptied the only way to reverse the decline in Christianity is to give people new ways to worship rather than simply offering traditional Sunday services.

Although some recent figures have shown a small recovery in church attendance and although about 70% of the population define themselves as Christian, few attend church except at Christmas, Easter or on occasions such as weddings and funerals.

Studies by the Christian Research organisation suggest that by 2040 there will be almost twice as many Muslims praying in British mosques on Fridays as Christians attending church on Sundays.

Over the past 18 months, about 300 "alternative church" projects have been opened under a scheme called Fresh Expressions.

These include gatherings in pubs and cafes, a skateboarding park and youth centre in Benfleet, Essex, a converted barge in London and a pensioners' tearoom in Nottinghamshire.

The projects also include Rezurgence, a Christian "extreme sports" group based in Surrey. Its main activity is BMX and mountain biking and it is led by Will New, 39, who believes he has been called to exercise Christian leadership. He is a prime candidate to become a pioneer minister. "The hardcore cultures of mountain biking, BMX and faith are brought into one through Rezurgence," he said. "Jesus is the coolest dude that ever walked the earth. He needs no introductions, has no web address but can be contacted only if you want to. Awesome."

New added: "We wanted to get out there and do something in the field, on the hill or in the skate park to support all riders. We have been really stoked how well Rezurgence has been received and it continues to grow at an amazing rate."

In Grimsby a converted double-decker bus has been transformed into a mobile youth club and youth church. It is driven around the streets offering a form of worship that is different from the traditional parish church.

It is run by the Church Army, a wing of the Church of England, and now needs the services of a pioneer minister.

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