Crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter and GoFundMe offer congregations a chance to reach beyond their usual network of church donors, expanding the congregation's focus and impact, says Adam J. Copeland.

Initially popularized in the arts community as a way to raise money for specific projects, crowdfunding, or "crowdsource funding," is part of the rapidly changing landscape of charitable giving, with important implications for the church, Copeland said.

"Usually, congregations are supported only by members of the congregation -- typically, only a subset of the congregation," said Copeland, who teaches practical theology at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. "But many folks support intellectually the mission of our congregations," he said. "Crowdfunding offers the opportunity to expand giving beyond those who attend worship."

As the director of Luther Seminary's Center for Stewardship Leaders, Copeland studies trends in religious giving and financial stewardship. Earlier this year, he wrote a free, downloadable booklet, "Crowdfunding for Congregations and Faith-Related Nonprofits," available at his website.