Foundation
Best for small churches (under 150 members)
$3,000/quarter
- Up to 18 hours of legal support
- 1 bylaws or policy update per quarter
- Up to 2 contract reviews
- Email & phone access
Church Legal Services
Church Legal Services
Legal counsel from an attorney who is also an ordained pastor. Ted Edwards understands church governance, culture, and faith-based values because he lives them.
Not Just a Lawyer for Churches
A pastor who practices law
Ted Edwards brings a perspective most church attorneys simply can't offer. As an ordained pastor, BSF class leader, former church staff member, deacon, and church council and board member, he understands the unique challenges churches face — not from the outside looking in, but from within the community of faith.
Whether you're navigating governance questions, employment matters, property disputes, or compliance requirements, Ted approaches every engagement with an understanding of both the legal and spiritual dimensions of church life.
Ordained Pastor
BSF Class Leader
Former Church Staff
Deacon
Church Council & Board
Services
How we serve churches
Comprehensive legal services for churches of all sizes. We primarily serve Christian churches but welcome congregations of all faiths.
- Church Governance
- Bylaws & Church Policies
- Contract Review & Negotiation
- Church Expansion & Growth
- Employment & Clergy Issues
- Christian Conciliation & Dispute Resolution
- Risk Management
- Governmental Relations
- Strategic Planning
General Counsel Program
Ongoing legal stewardship for your ministry
Predictable legal support through a simple quarterly model — designed to provide budget certainty, prevent disputes before they start, and give your leadership ongoing access to a lawyer who understands church-specific issues.
Growth
Best for mid-sized churches (150–500 members)
$6,750/quarter
- Up to 36 hours of legal support
- Ongoing governance & policy support
- Up to 4 contract reviews
- Employment & clergy advisory
- 1 board meeting per quarter
Strategic Partner
Best for large, multi-site, or growing ministries
$12,000/quarter
- Up to 75 hours of legal support
- Full governance & strategic advisory
- Routine contract review
- Expansion & growth planning
- Up to 2 board meetings per quarter
- Priority response
Non-litigation services only · Quarterly billing in advance · Additional work billed at discounted rates · Custom projects available on a flat-fee basis · Fees are subject to a written engagement agreement and may vary based on scope
What to Expect
Working with Cornerstone Legal
A clear, straightforward process from first contact to resolution.
1
Reach Out
Schedule a consultation. Tell us about your church and the legal challenge you're facing.
2
Assessment
Ted reviews your situation and provides a candid assessment of your options and recommended approach.
3
Engagement
We agree on scope, timeline, and terms. You'll know exactly what to expect.
4
Resolution
We work to resolve your matter efficiently, keeping you informed at every step.
“
A church should never have to choose between protecting its ministry and staying true to its mission. The right legal counsel does both — quietly handling the governance, compliance, and conflict so leaders can stay focused on the work they were called to do.Theodore C. Edwards, II · Attorney & Ordained Pastor
Faith & Ministry
Grounded in the life of the church
Ted's legal work is shaped by decades of service within the church — as an ordained pastor, BSF class leader, deacon, and board member. For congregations that prefer a faith-based path, he offers Christian conciliation alongside traditional dispute resolution.
FAQ
Common questions
Do you only work with Christian churches?
While Ted's background and experience are rooted in the Christian faith, Cornerstone Legal welcomes congregations and faith-based organizations of all traditions. The legal principles apply broadly, and Ted's approach is respectful of all faith communities.
What is Christian conciliation?
Christian conciliation is a faith-based approach to dispute resolution grounded in biblical principles. It offers an alternative to secular mediation or litigation, helping parties resolve conflicts in a way that honors their shared values. Ted offers this alongside traditional ADR methods.
Our church has never had a lawyer. Do we need one?
Many churches operate without dedicated legal counsel until a problem arises — an unexpected employment claim, a property dispute, an outdated set of bylaws, or a gap in compliance. Proactive legal support helps prevent those issues before they become costly, and our General Counsel Program makes it affordable and predictable through a flat quarterly fee.
What size church do you typically work with?
We work with churches across a wide range of sizes, from small congregations under 150 members to large multi-site ministries. Our General Counsel Program is tiered accordingly — Foundation for smaller churches, Growth for mid-sized congregations of 150–500, and Strategic Partner for larger or rapidly growing ministries.
Let's protect what matters to your church
Schedule a consultation to discuss your church's legal needs.
Schedule a consultation