Fingerprints – Impacting The World From The Inside Out Author: Ndashi Kapembwa

Summary

In Fingerprints – Impacting the World from the Inside Out, Ndashi Kapembwa delivers a powerful and soul-stirring message on living a life that truly matters. Through thoughtful reflections and biblical grounding, he invites readers to look inward — to shape their character before seeking to shape the world.

The book reminds us that every believer carries the potential to leave lasting “fingerprints” — unique marks of influence defined not by titles or fame, but by integrity, humility, and excellence. Kapembwa weaves timeless truths around four core pillars: self, doctrine, work, and pursuit. Each chapter gently challenges the reader to refine their inner life and align their actions with faith-driven purpose.

In a world often obsessed with visibility, Fingerprints calls for authenticity — a return to the quiet strength of spiritual discipline and character. It’s a guide for those who wish to impact society from a place of wholeness and conviction, echoing the essence of true transformation: change that begins from the inside out.

Both practical and deeply spiritual, Fingerprints is more than a book — it is a call to build the person before the platform, to live in such a way that the marks we leave behind reflect the heart of God Himself.

By Ndashi Kapembwa

Overview

“Fingerprints” by Ndashi Kapembwa is a faith-based manual for spiritual growth and kingdom impact. The book was initially crafted with a focus on young people and later expanded for all believers. It calls Christians to a life of intentional impact by cultivating integrity, humility, and excellence. The central metaphor—fingerprints—represents the unique and lasting marks individuals leave behind, echoing their influence and faith journey. The core message: transformation begins from the inside out.

Introduction: The Call to Leave Fingerprints

Ndashi introduces the concept of fingerprints as personal, undeniable marks of influence. He challenges readers to consider whether they are leaving behind meaningful evidence of their existence—evidence that reflects and points to God’s glory. This call to impact is not limited to pastors or clergy but extends to every believer, reminding us all of the Great Commission. The book positions every Christian as a minister, tasked with leaving fingerprints that point to their Maker.

Foundational Principles for Lasting Impact

The book is structured around four key areas of focus: Ourselves, Doctrine/Teaching, Work, and Pursuit. These areas, Ndashi argues, are critical for believers to master if they are to truly leave godly fingerprints on the world.

1. Watch Yourself – Building from the Inside Out

The starting point of any lasting impact is personal transformation. Ndashi emphasises that we are our first responsibility. Drawing from Galatians 6:1 and 1 Timothy 4:16, he exhorts believers to “watch your life and doctrine closely.” This involves examining one’s heart condition—ensuring purity and right motives, public conduct—living consistently in and out of the spotlight, relationships—especially in marriage, which he considers a form of ministry, and humility—avoiding the trap of pride, which leads to downfall.

He warns that neglecting self-watch results in ministry without foundation, leading to compromise or hypocrisy. Paul’s call to persevere in self-watch is likened to abiding (Greek: meno)—a continual, enduring practice, not a seasonal one.

2. Public Conduct and Integrity

Ndashi devotes significant attention to the public life of a Christian. He argues that integrity is not merely about perception but is an internal standard that reflects in public life. He says, “We need to be so used to doing the right things in private and become so carried away that our public lives will simply be but an overflow of our private lives.” A believer’s life is always under observation, and public failure can discredit their message and damage the reputation of the Gospel.

Integrity, he explains, is doing the right thing even when no one is watching. It includes consistency between words and actions, awareness of influence—knowing that someone sees you as a hero or example, and avoiding actions that could cause weaker believers to stumble, as per 1 Corinthians 8. He notes that influence is impossible without integrity. In fact, public influence is sustained by private character.

3. Humility

Humility is presented as the antidote to pride—a key cause of ministerial failure. Ndashi references James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5 to highlight that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. He warns that pride often creeps in unnoticed, especially when success is misattributed to self rather than God.

True humility, he says, is obedience, not cowardice; submission, not slavery; and a lifestyle, not a performance. Christians must avoid spiritual isolation. Fellowship sharpens, encourages, and corrects. Ndashi likens believers to sticks that burn brighter and stronger together, illustrating the power of collective spiritual pursuit.

Why this matters: To win the eternal crown (1 Corinthians 9:24–27), to ‘save’ oneself and others (1 Timothy 4:16), and to gain true influence built on trust and integrity. He uses the example of King Nebuchadnezzar’s fall in Daniel 4 to demonstrate the dangers of pride and God’s power to humble those who elevate themselves.

Humility, therefore, must be practised and not merely performed. It is not in how one looks, but in the internal posture of the heart. He also ties prayer directly to humility, quoting John Piper: “Prayer is the open admission that without Christ, we can do nothing.” He sees prayer not just as communication, but as transformation—a key component of watching oneself and remaining humble.

4. How and Why Watch Yourself

Here, Ndashi provides practical tools to cultivate personal transformation:

a. Meditate on the Word of God
Scripture is essential for instruction, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Without it, the heart grows dull and open to deception. Through regular meditation, believers are kept aligned with God’s truth.

b. Prayer
Prayer strengthens the relationship with God, anchors the believer in purpose, and invites divine transformation. Ndashi draws from E.M. Bounds and other spiritual leaders to assert that prayerful leaders birth prayerful followers.

c. Fellowship with Believers
Community is essential to please Jesus, our commanding officer (2 Timothy 2:3–4).

5. Doctrine and Teaching

Ndashi insists that every believer, especially those who teach, must handle the Word with accuracy. Misquoting or misapplying scripture misleads others and dishonours God. Excellence in teaching requires effort, diligence, and submission to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Key takeaways: Strive for theological integrity—even in songs, poems, and social posts. Labour over scripture—not just speak from emotion. Learn, apply, and then teach. He warns against arrogance masked as revelation. Instead, the believer must always be teachable, seeking understanding and being willing to sit at the feet of Jesus before standing before people.

6. Mind Your Work

This chapter extends the principle of excellence to ministry outputs. Ndashi contends that Christianity is not an excuse for mediocrity; it’s what makes it unacceptable. Every poem, song, sermon, or act of service should reflect God’s excellence. He draws from 1 Peter 2:9, interpreting “show forth the praises” as showing forth excellences. Using the Greek word arete, he highlights that we are to display the excellence of God in everything we do.

He argues that excellence is costly, but worth it. Self-improvement, he notes, is intentional. Growth in skill, knowledge, and influence does not happen by accident. Reading, learning, and training are critical, even if it means acquiring them outside formal education.

7. Watch Your Pursuit

The final section examines motives. Ndashi critiques the obsession with fame, platforms, and the idea of “making it.” He reminds readers that ministry is not limited to stages, TV screens, or social media metrics. The pursuit of significance must be rooted in God’s agenda, not self-promotion.

Key principles: You are already where you are meant to be—serve diligently there. Stage is not equal to ministry—true ministry happens in relationships and daily life. Let your gift make room for you (Proverbs 18:16). Do not pursue platforms prematurely—wait on God’s timing and instruction. Avoid chasing influence without substance—growth without grounding leads to collapse.

He encourages young ministers to focus on faithfulness, obedience, and authenticity. When these are present, God handles the promotion.

Conclusion: It’s Time for Fingerprints

Ndashi closes the book with a powerful challenge: leave your fingerprints—unique marks of influence, service, and obedience that point back to God. Whether your impact is global or local, your life is meant to count. He reiterates: build the minister before the ministry; focus on integrity, doctrine, humility, excellence, and godly pursuits; let your life echo God’s character in everything.

“Fingerprints” is ultimately a call to authenticity—impacting the world not with empty performance, but with a life transformed by God, lived from the inside out.

Final Word

Ndashi Kapembwa’s Fingerprints is a timely discipleship guide, especially for believers in creative arts, teaching ministry, and leadership positions. It blends practical wisdom, theological insight, and personal conviction, urging every Christian to live intentionally, faithfully, and excellently—FOR THE GLORY OF GOD.

About the Author

Ndashi Kapembwa is a dynamic speaker, author, leadership trainer, coach, and podcaster (The Legacy Leaders Podcast) who is passionate about inspiring and equipping others to reach their full potential. With a strong background in communication and leadership, he brings over a decade of experience in developing people and delivering impactful messages across diverse platforms.

He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from the Copperbelt University and a Certificate in Coaching Practices from the University of California, Davis. In addition to his work in leadership development, Ndashi has extensive experience in graphic design and creative communication, having supported various brands, events, and organizations in crafting compelling visual and strategic content.

He is happily married to Chewe Kapembwa, and together they serve as pastoral board covers for the Youth Ministry at Anointed Life Church in Lusaka under the leadership of Pastor Gladys Paswani.