Bill Prater was saved as a “bus kid” at Fellowship Baptist Church in Liberal, Kansas in 1976. He later attended Bible college where he met his wife, Katie. The Praters were married and joined the full-time ministry staff of Fellowship Baptist Church in 1981. Bro. Prater served the church in various capacities including Minister of Music, Youth Pastor, and Associate Pastor, before assuming the role of Lead Pastor in May of 2000. In August of 2020, he transitioned away from pastoring and his son, Tyler, assumed the role of Lead Pastor.
Bro. Prater now serves as Staff Evangelist. He, and Katie, will serve as mentors to pastors around the country, preaching in revivals, missions conferences, marriage retreats, and in various other capacities.
In addition to his ministry to Fellowship Baptist Church, Bro. Prater also serves the community of Liberal as a board member and facilitator for the Leadership Enrichment and Development group, and as a chaplain and patrol officer for the Liberal Police Department. In 2022, he was voted given the Officer of the Year Award by his fellow officers.
Bro. Prater and his wife Katie have two married sons, T. J. and Tyler, one daughter, Tiffany, and eight grandchildren, Boston, Malorie, Kevin, Ellie, Huck, Callie, Leroy and Turner Rex.