Whether debated privately in our hearts or publicly in our church halls, one of the most pressing issues facing U.S. churches today is the economy. While our faith may be certain, current economic conditions are most certainly not. And the situation has even the most confident pastors and church leaders wondering, "How will my church survive this recession?"

There is no easy answer to this question. Each church must face its own unique challenges. But studies show that a poor economy doesn't always mean less cash in your collection plate. In February 2008, the Christian research group, Empty Tomb Inc. released the results of comprehensive study on church giving. Researchers studied six recessions since 1968 and found that donations by church members declined in three and increased in three others.

Another study by Giving USA Foundation, found that religion-related charitable giving fell only slightly in six of the total 11 years that the U.S. has experienced recession since 1968. Clearly, there are factors other than the economy that affect the way your members give.

A look at some generous churches across the nation reveals that internal factors can have much more impact on giving than external factors like the economy. While these churches come from all denominations and regions of the U.S. with very different worship styles, facilities, and congregants, they all have a few very important things in common. These characteristics are the four main keys to a recession-proof church.

Key #1: Vision
Your church's vision of ministry is the one factor that will determine everything else. What does your church bring to your little corner of the Kingdom with a passion like no other? If you know without a doubt and can articulate it with clarity, then you have a God-given reason to exist. And this is precisely what people are looking for.

How can you become more vision-driven? Dr. Jim Jackson, Senior Pastor of Chapelwood United Methodist in Houston, TX has a unique way of encouraging vision at his church. Periodically, he goes out to Chapelwood's neighborhood groups, meeting with two groups a week for three months. He listens to his members' vision for their church and their community. Jim says, "I believe if this is a genuine church, then God has given the people a vision. I'm not the only one with the vision. I hear corrections and I hear lots of appreciation. As I listen, it's easy to discern the residual vision among our church body."

Jim believes the key is devoting most of his time to walking with his people. "I am not involved in administration or managing staff. I am listening, networking, and forming relationships with my members. By the time I get ready to do any fundraising, there is a natural purchase. We all buy into the vision. And resources follow vision."

Key #2: Culture
It all starts with vision, but there is another element that is just as important—culture.

Pastor Leo Schuster of Christ the King Presbyterian Church in Houston, TX, says, "It's all about vision and culture. People must buy into the DNA of the church. Christ the King's vision is to be the body of Christ to our city. So we create a culture of service where we partner with other ministries to change our community. For us, it's not about being fed, we're here as servants."

Culture is so important that there are specific steps you must take to foster a culture of generosity in your church. (See "Five Steps to Creating a Culture of Generosity" on BuildingForMinistry.com)

Key #3: Transparency
A culture of generosity is built upon a foundation of transparency. Consider what is communicated to your people about the church budget. Do they really know how money is being spent in the church? How is that communicated? Pulling the veil off finances, budgets, and board discussions will go a long way to creating trust and building their confidence in giving.

Church stewardship strategist, Ben Stroup of Lifeway says, "People want to know how the money they give is being used. If an independent source began tracking the spending habits of your church and publishing that information for everyone to review, would your church's financial decisions stand the test of public scrutiny?" They would at North Point Church in Alpharetta, GA. North Point posts its financials on the church website for the whole world to see.

How can you foster trust and transparency? Here's a practical solution: the Q&A. Survey a handful of people to find out what their questions are about the church finances. Then, provide brief, direct answers in a printed Q&A hand-out, as well on your website, and in a special email to your members. You can also add a "Question of the Week" to your newsletter or bulletin.

Key #4: Kingdom focus
For giving to remain strong, your church must be more externally focused on Kingdom priorities than preoccupied with internal issues. Liquid Church in Morristown, NJ is a great example of a body of believers with a focus outside four walls, primarily because they don't have any to begin with.

Liquid meets in the ballrooms of several luxury hotels and has no plans to acquire a building. Lead Pastor Tim Lucas explains, "We invest in people, not buildings. My people are much more likely to invite their non-Christian friends and co-workers to a location like this rather than a traditional church. Our focus is reaching people who aren't here yet."

On a recent Sunday morning, two women at the hotel bar overheard Liquid's worship music flowing out of the upstairs ballroom. When they asked the front desk about the "meeting with the cool music," the clerk encouraged them to go check it out. They came to Liquid and were captivated as they sat listening to the service with cocktails in hand. "Attracting people right where they are is what we call a sign of health," says Tim.

This article was adapted and first appeared in the download, "Recession-Ready Church" on our sister site, BuildingChurchLeaders.com.

Jim Sheppard serves as CEO of Generis, a consulting firm that provides counsel to churches and religious organizations in the areas of generosity and stewardship.

Patrick Johnson is Sr. VP of Church Services at The National Christian Foundation and co-author with Gordon MacDonald of the 30-day devotional, Generosity.