ABOUT US
Our Story
For nearly a century, Otter Creek Church has been shaped by a deep love for God and an equally deep love for people. When you look back over our 100-year history, one thing becomes clear: God has consistently moved through faithful people who were willing to think creatively, step out in faith, and serve beyond the walls of the church.
That spirit was evident as early as 1929, when Henrietta and Gordon Campbell began picking up rural farm children to bring them to church. It continued through the founding of the Otter Creek Nursery School and Kindergarten, the development of ministries like Agape and the Wayne Reed Center, and our long-standing support of partners such as Room In The Inn, Living Water, and Made In The Streets. Time and again, Otter Creek has demonstrated a commitment to loving God, loving people, and serving our neighbors in meaningful ways.
In 1988, that same heart gave rise to Otter Creek Christian Camp—a summer tradition that quickly became a cherished space where generations gathered to grow in faith and community. For more than 25 years, camp leadership dreamed of one day having a permanent facility that belonged to Otter Creek—a place set apart for retreat, renewal, and ministry.
In the fall of 2023, that long-held dream began to take shape. Following a generous $1 million gift, the Governance Elders discerned that the time had come to pursue a retreat and camp facility. As they reflected on Otter Creek’s history, core values, and long-term vision, a clear theme emerged: a desire for a place away from the city—rooted in creation—where outreach, healing, and intergenerational ministry could flourish.
A vision team of Otter Creek members was commissioned to imagine what such a place could be. Over several months, they prayerfully defined the characteristics of an ideal site—considering location, size, natural features, and accessibility. The vision they articulated was compelling and clear: a retreat center that would
- share faith with the next generation,
- support ministries engaged in healing and restoration, and
- foster meaningful intergenerational community.
The team also envisioned this place not only serving Otter Creek, but also blessing our ministry partners—a third campus, much like OC Brentwood and OC West End, designed to be open-handed and outward-facing.
From the beginning, it was important that this vision be financially responsible: self-sustaining, debt-free, and stewarded well—even if that meant it might take five to eight years to become a reality.
And then, something remarkable happened.
Almost immediately after the vision was affirmed, God moved in ways far beyond our expectations. First came an extraordinary additional gift of $5 million—transforming what once felt distant into something suddenly within reach. Next, the elders formed an Implementation Team to begin putting the vision into action. And finally, we learned that a property known as Five Star Retreat—located in Nunnelly, Tennessee—was available.
The alignment was stunning.
The property included nearly everything the vision team had hoped for: a private three-acre lake, a spring-fed creek with swimming holes, six cabins and a lodge capable of hosting 90 guests, an open-air pavilion, and 300 acres of woods, trails, and open fields—all just an hour from Nashville. We were awestruck by the clarity and speed with which God was unfolding this story.
Still, the elders paused to prayerfully discern next steps. In response to the generosity already received, they first allocated $600,000 to meet pressing needs among Otter Creek’s local and global ministry partners. Generosity, after all, begets generosity—and our calling to love our neighbors remains central.
As assessments of the property continued, God’s provision continued as well. Another significant gift—$3.5 million—was received, providing the resources needed to move forward if the property proved to be the right fit.
In total, $9.5 million was given by members of this congregation who believe deeply in the mission of Otter Creek and long to see God glorified. When donors learned how these gifts could be used, their excitement only confirmed what we were already sensing: God was leading.
After careful evaluation, it became clear that this property could serve generations to come. Following prayerful negotiation, Otter Creek purchased the property on November 17, 2025. What is now known as Woodlands Retreat was officially born.
The retreat is already welcoming gatherings, retreats, and ministry groups for both adults and children. While it is not yet equipped to host full camps, plans are underway to expand—adding cabins and a mess hall with the goal of making this Otter Creek Christian Camp’s permanent home very soon.
This next phase will require additional funding, and many have already expressed a desire to be part of what God is building here.
Formerly five star retreat
Five Star Retreat was established in 2007, born from a simple but meaningful vision: to create a place where family and friends could step away from the pace of everyday life and experience rest, connection, and the beauty of creation just outside Nashville, Tennessee.
After exploring nearly 70 potential properties, the owner knew he had found the right place the moment he rounded the bend near Big Spring Creek and saw a single cabin perched on a hill overlooking a wide, open lawn. That instant sense of peace and possibility confirmed what his heart already knew—this land was special.
Despite common assumptions, the name Five Star was never meant as a personal rating. Instead, it reflects something far more personal: a tribute to his five children and the businesses he co-founded. From the beginning, the retreat was rooted in family, purpose, and thoughtful design.
Development unfolded steadily and intentionally. Construction began with a 3.5-acre lake, three additional cabins, and miles of hiking and ATV trails that wove through the surrounding landscape. Over time, the property expanded to include an 8,500-square-foot lodge, two more cabins, and an open-air chapel—each addition enhancing the retreat’s ability to welcome guests while preserving its natural beauty.
In 2012, the owner made Five Star Retreat his primary residence. What had once been a private escape soon became a place of retreat for many. Business groups, churches, and couples celebrating weddings found renewal, inspiration, and meaningful moments within this peaceful setting.
transition to woodlands retreat
Always a builder at heart, the owner eventually began seeking new stewards who would see the property with fresh vision—leaders who would continue to develop its potential while honoring the spirit of rest and hospitality that defined it from the beginning. He is deeply grateful to see Otter Creek Church step into that role and looks forward with joy as Five Star Retreat—now Woodlands Retreat—continues to bless countless others for years to come.
Otter Creek Church partnership
Otter Creek has never been afraid to dream boldly—but never in our nearly 100-year history have vision, provision, and opportunity come together quite like this. What began as a long-term dream has unfolded with breathtaking speed and clarity.
Perhaps Vision 2029 was just the beginning. Woodlands Retreat opens the door not only to what we imagined, but to ministry opportunities still unseen.
We invite you to join us—through prayer, participation, and generosity—as we invest in a place that we believe will bless thousands for decades to come, carrying Otter Creek’s mission forward into the next 100 years.
Leadership & Ministers
otter creek church shepherds. otter creek church ministers
Mission & Vision
A refuge where all generations can come to experience God and creation in community.
Purpose:
Our vision for this site is to create and cultivate a place of spiritual renewal, growth, and community by offering immersive encounters with God in nature. The site will be a year-round facility designed to host the Otter Creek church family, the communities we serve, and other external ministries and organizations through retreats, meetings, workshops, and camps. This is a fulfillment of Vision 2029 as we model innovation and execute on new ministry opportunities.
Who We Serve
Operating as a year-round retreat center, Woodlands Retreat is ideal for churches who are looking to host youth/adult retreats, church workshops or leadership meetings, and camps. It also welcomes ministries and nonprofit organizations seeking a place where people can reconnect with God, one another, and the beauty of the natural world.
Why Woodlands Retreat
Host your next event in a place that inspires more than just a full schedule—host it at Woodlands Retreat. Tucked into the natural beauty of Middle Tennessee, Woodlands provides a peaceful setting where groups can step away from the noise of everyday life and truly connect. Whether you’re planning a retreat, workshop, camp, or leadership gathering, the blend of comfortable lodging, welcoming meeting spaces, and the quiet beauty of the outdoors creates an environment where conversations deepen, relationships strengthen, and meaningful moments unfold naturally. At Woodlands Retreat, we believe this is a place where the veil between Heaven and Earth feels just a little thinner.