The Gauteng District of the Church of the Nazarene hosted a combined ordination service for four districts on March 12, 2011, at the Good News Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. Dr. David W. Graves, jurisdictional general superintendent for the Africa Region, ordained 13 new elders from the districts of Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Limpopo in South Africa.

He also installed Les Phillips as the third district superintendent of the South Africa Gauteng District. Phillips was elected at the Gauteng District Assembly on January 29, replacing Bethuel Mkonde. He pledged to give his best in service to the Gauteng District.

Dr. Graves addressed the candidates for ordination from the Word of God, regarding "the great secret which had been kept hidden for ages and generations, but has now been disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is . . .  Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).

Graves challenged the pastors, as the Apostle Paul did to his audience, to "proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ" and to "labor, struggling with all His energy which so powerfully works in me" (Colossians 1:28-29).  He encouraged the candidates to be "totally surrendered" to Christ and allow His full power to be at work in and through them as ministers of the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Family and friends gathered to congratulate the new elders following the ceremony.