The Francis effect? Pastor John Piper implores Christian preachers to avoid "The Seduction of Money".

Roman Catholic "evangelicals" with their own "personal prelatures" take note.

This story certainly sounds like something Pope Francis might approve of, and even recommend:

John Piper, a prominent theologian and pastor, is pleading with his fellow preachers “to avoid the sinful seduction of money.” In a recent installment of his “Ask Pastor John” podcast, Piper offered five pieces of advice for Christian leaders.

His action points were sparked by the recent situation surrounding David Yonggi Cho, pastor and founder of Yoido Full Gospel Church in South Korea, who was recently convicted of embezzling $12 million from the church, the Christian Post reported.

Not the Pope Francis effect?   I don't think it matters - it's just very good advice.  Pastor John's points:

1) “Kill every desire to be rich and get rich”

2) “If you see your income starting to grow, set a governor on it”

• Piper’s second plea involved keeping away from continuing to acquire more and more money. If a pastor sees increasing income coming in, he said the individual should start donating more to worthy causes. Piper, who claims “money is insidiously deceptive,” said he isn’t impressed with a pastor who tithes 30 percent of a million dollar royalty check, nor is he impressed when a preacher only gives away 90 percent of a $10 million check. Riches, Piper said, lead people down a dangerous path.*

3) “Be totally transparent with your fellow elders from inside your church”

4) “Live simply to show that your treasure is in heaven and not on earth”

5) “Put in place a leadership structure of a plurality of elders”

Read the details here.  God bless Pastor John.

* I added this note because I didn't want you to get 'a governor' mixed up with a 'fundraising thermometer widget'.  

What?

I'm kidding!