The Guild exists to encourage all musicians within the church, whether amateur or professional, to foster the highest attainable standards of music in the worship of Almighty God. The membership is interdenominational, being open to all branches of the Christian Church. Until 1988 it was mainly Anglican, but in that Centenary Year the Archbishop of Canterbury invited the Archbishop of Westminster to become a joint patron.

The membership is international with members in many parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Canada and the U.S.A.

The membership meets at an Annual Day Conference, which includes the Annual General Meeting, usually held on the Saturday before the first Monday in May. It is held in different parts of England, often as the guests of a cathedral. All members are encouraged to attend and so share in the fellowship of the Guild. Details of the programme and the venue are given in the Year Book which is supplied to all members.