The Charismatic movement has put a considerable strain upon the more conventional expressions of church worship. Charism and Sacrament: A Theology of Christian Conversion explores the creative tension that must exist between charismatic and sacramental worship . true Christian conversion, according to Gelpi, is dependent upon the gifts of the Holy Spirit and a sound awareness of sacramental theology.
Books on the charismatic movement have, with few exceptions, lacked critical perspective and theological reflection. By providing both of these, Charism and Sacrament has moved the discussion forward into a new and positive phase and has opened the way to fruitful dialogue between the Charismatic Renewal and the Church universal.