Bill Federer speaking at a Rotary Club meeting.

r. William Federer, a nationally known speaker and best-selling author on America’s noble heritage, forges patriotism into American life. Like the explorers who opened doors for new frontiers in America, he challenges the indifference of some individuals and encourages and applauds the patriotic service and pride of others. Through his books and nationwide speaking engagements, he encourages Americans to make a difference, to love, serve, and defend their country and its foundational roots — the biblical principles on which America was founded.

Dr. Federer is proud to be an American. He cherishes the values and faith by which America’s founding fathers fought and gave their lives, homes and fortunes so citizens today can enjoy freedom. He is committed to making citizens aware of their rich heritage.

He attributes the influence of his father for instilling these values and a love for God as well as freedom and country in his heart.

Faith and family

Dr. Federer shares, “My father is an attorney and historian, serving in leadership in numerous historical societies. We grew up visiting famous historical sites and had quite a library in our house.”

He says the most valuable thing his parents taught him was faith. “They taught a reverence for God. I remember all 11of us children kneeling by my parents’ bed to pray. In my early 20s, this faith went from not just being in my head to being also in my heart.”

At that time, he attended a Christian businessmen’s meeting and was challenged to know Jesus in a deeper, personal way. “Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:32-33 became real to me,” he recalls. “‘Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.’ Now, I spend my time helping other people and teaching God’s Word.”

Sue and Bill Federer as a reporter interviews him.

He and his wife, Susan, were married in 1981. Dr. Federer describes his wife as beautiful, outgoing, smart, and an amazing mother who makes sure the kids always have a warm loving home and great family meals. He says he thanks God for his wife every day. He believes Proverbs 18:22: ‘He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.’

Former Senator Danforth awarded the Jefferson Award to Susan for outstanding community service.

Dr. Federer shares that he had a burden in his heart to fulfill his life’s calling to help Americans cherish and practice the Christian values America’s founding fathers incorporated into early government. He had faith that God would provide; that’s why he continued in the calling. His family wanted him to join the real estate business or pursue other business opportunities.

His life was changed when he completely gave his heart and life to Christ. His purpose now is to live Scriptural precepts as recorded in James 2:14: “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?”

“I couldn’t have fulfilled my calling without Susan’s help,” he says. “She’s had faith in me. She has worked numerous jobs, even earning insurance licenses and establishing herself in the insurance business.”

He smiles when he adds, “My wife is my toughest critic, because she loves me and wants me to be the best. I listen to her the way I listen to the Holy Spirit.”

Dr. Federer ran for Congress in 1998, 2000, and 2004. His wife and children participated in his campaign. He confides, “That was a difficult endeavor, but it helped bring us closer as a family!”

Leading a family requires hard work, so he practices the Bible’s advice on relationships within the family. He takes time to demonstrate love to his wife as he sets an example for how his children ought to live.

Bill and Sue Federer with their four children.

He strongly believes that his children are his responsibility. He and his wife teach their children how to be witnesses through their involvement in school, church work and mission trips. His belief is “You always need to help somebody.” The seeds planted in his children have prospered.

Dr. Federer’s oldest daughter Jessica, 25, ministered in drama in Scotland. She was inspired by the congressmen and senators she met during her dad’s run for congress. She studied at Oxford and is earning her masters at Yale.

His son Will, 23, is in Korea teaching English; he is proving to be an excellent, patient and caring teacher.

Daughter Melody, 20, when a child, would often stand on a chair to sing “The Star Spangled Banner” for his campaign for Congress. Melody credits her dad for pushing her to get out in front of people and giving her a desire to sing and act. She studies acting in New York, sings in church, and shares her faith at every opportunity.

Youngest child, Michael, 18, is a senior in high school. He is learning to develop his communication gifts. When he was little, he once got into trouble; so Dr. Federer decided they would read a chapter of Proverbs every day. Michael still continues that habit. Today, Michael runs track and, at 6’4”, he is a positive moral example among his friends. He is preparing to go to college and wants to be a fireman and physical therapist.

God and the government

Bill Federer, president, Amerisearch, Inc., speaking on a C-Span TV program.

Speaking nationwide, writing best-selling books, and appearing on radio and TV, Dr. Federer encourages Americans to nurture the heritage of America’s founding fathers. He says, “America’s founders knew people could not be forced to believe in God. It’s the church’s job to evangelize. The government’s job is to provide law and order and an equal playing field, so the different churches can do their job spreading faith.”

“The founders’ concept of a free government was that if the people felt accountable to God in the next life, they would treat their fellow citizens with more respect in this life. Thus, order could be maintained in society with fewer laws,” he explains. “The more internal restraints the populace has, the fewer external restraints they need.”

Bill Federer and actor Charlton Heston.

He says “To know you will face God causes you to have a conscience” and recounts an important mindset of one of America’s founders. Daniel Webster, U.S. Senator and Secretary of State for three presidents, was asked at age 80, “What was your most profound thought?” Webster replied, “My accountability to God.”

Early American government leaders recognized that good government and belief in God are both essential. Dr. Federer reminds Americans of the importance of religion in early America. “In 1876, Rhode Island law said one must be a Christian to be a politician. In 1851, Maryland changed its constitution requiring politicians ‘to be a member of the Christian religion, or if a Jew, Judaism.’ Many states required that an individual ‘must believe in God to be a candidate.’ In the middle 1800s, an American politician was required to be a Christian.”

Christian leaders today support Dr. Federer’s work in influencing Americans to nurture American heritage and the values and biblical foundations incorporated into government by the nation’s founding fathers. Dr. Ted Baehr, chairman of the Christian Film and Television Commission, reflects, “Bill’s encyclopedic knowledge of history has enabled him to win debates and the minds of many over to the truth of God’s providence. There is no one as brilliant, humble, wise and equipped as Bill. He is highly admired.”

William J. Federer, president, Amerisearch, Inc., best-selling author, speaker, and writer of American Minute, a daily radio and Internet feature.

One of Dr. Federer’s objectives is encouraging Americans to vote. Voting in political elections determines the destiny of the country and its citizens. He advises electing honorable, ethical politicians who seek to serve God, their country, and the nation of people they swear an oath to serve. Listen, research and read what politicians have said, written and established as past policy. Elect candidates who will make decisions for the good of the people, who will live by the laws they swear to uphold, and who live and believe in Scriptural principles.

Dr. Federer’s overarching advice for others is to invest time wisely. He suggests the investment include establishing a strong marriage and family as well as reading about and knowing America’s history and Scriptural foundation and becoming committed to those values.